The stigma of being mentally ill

Jul 23 2008

A mental health poll carried out in Britain has uncovered some shocking revelations.

The poll conducted by the charity Rethink found that nine out of ten people with mental health problems in England say they are frequently stigmatised and often by those closest to them.

The groundbreaking research reveals that millions of people with mental illness are unable to do ordinary everyday things such as shopping, going to the pub, making new friends or applying for jobs.

The survey which involved more than 3,000 people with mental health problems has revealed the extent of the discrimination the mentally ill are subjected to... this includes discrimination by family, (36%), closely followed by employers (35%), neighbours (31%) and friends (25%).

Those revealed as most accepting include children, teachers, shopkeepers, and public transport workers.

Two thirds with mental health problems say they have stopped doing things because of the stigma they face and it can even prevent people from reporting a crime.

The results are a concern because the rates of mental illness appear to be on the rise.

Rethink say they also found discrimination impacted on carers of people with mental illness.

Rethink's director of public affairs, Paul Corry, says the research clearly shows that stigma and discrimination are ruining people's lives....he says people with mental health problems have enough on their plates without facing additional pressure caused by other people's archaic and bigoted opinions.

The findings will help develop a high-profile £18 million mental health anti-stigma campaign to be launched in January 2009 which will target schools and the media to change attitudes and reduce prejudice.

Rethink has called for the government to lead by example by employing more people with mental health problems within its departments and encourage other public sector bodies to do the same.

The "Stigma Shout" survey was carried out by the mental health charity Rethink on behalf of Moving People, England's most ambitious programme to end the discrimination faced by people with mental health problems, and improve the nation's well being.

It was funded with £18m from the Big Lottery Fund and Comic Relief and was evaluated by the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College, London.

Rethink says the intention is to reach 30 million people across England in an attempt to challenge attitudes and change behaviour.